In Mori's view, Japan's prolonged economic slump is partly a result
of the burdens created by its big cities - the smothering
congestion, the withering commutes - burdens that are nowhere
greater than in Tokyo. Mori sees a link between financial wealth
and emotional well-being. When people lack the time and energy for
personal enrichment, how can they be expected to enrich their
country, or the other way around? Mori's goal is to elevate the
quality of life in Tokyo by using "vertical space more
effectively," by bringing living and work spaces closer to cultural
outlets, by creating room for plazas and greenery, by cutting down
on time spent in traffic. Roppongi Hills is a shining outgrowth of
a plan, inspired by former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's
policies, which Mori calls his Urban New Deal.
"As I studied Roosevelt's policy, I came to realize that an
important place was given to cultural renewal, as well as economic
revitalization," says Mori. "I believe that my concepts are more
than just business, they are about our culture. I want Roppongi
Hills to become the true cultural heart of Tokyo."

If Roppongi Hills is the heart of a new Tokyo, it is a
fast-beating one. The site of round-the-clock activity, stores and
restaurants are required to stay open late, many until past 11 p.m.
The nine-screen Virgin Cinemas shows movies until 5 a.m.

The nerve center of Roppongi Hills is Mori Tower, an elegant
glass-and-steel structure with a state-of-the-art earthquake-safe
design. The Tower is home to corporate tenants such as Yahoo Japan
and Goldman Sachs, but its main attractions are open to the public
and an integral part of the Roppongi Hills plan for cultural
enrichment. The 49th floor, for example, is given over to Roppongi
Academy Hills, which houses meeting space for 500 and a library.
But not just any library. Amid the stacks of multi­lingual books
and computer stations is a cafe (the better to encourage
face-to-face meetings and casual conversations), as well as private
reading rooms equipped with vibrating, back-massaging
recliners.